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Saturday, September 21, 2013

#SBBC Day 21 - Blogging Advice

Hi!

I wasn't going to do this topic, but I had a few things I wanted to say so I decided I'd say them now while I have the opportunity! Feel free to call me every name under the sun, I don't mind.

Firstly - those "ten things every blogger should know" type posts drive me bananas. By all means if someone asks a specific question, answer them and help if you can, but don't go dictating about templates, colours, backgrounds, layouts - I hate that crap. A 16 year old once told me my layout wasn't really that of a typical beauty blog (complete with a 'hun' and a smiley face) - do I give a shite! So many blogs look the same now, just remember it's YOUR space, you do what you like, not what you think is the norm. I've also seen people say things like "people don't like wordy posts, just have really big pictures and keep the writing to a minimum" - instagram and tumblr are already there for that. If I want to ramble on for half a page, I'll do that. If you're not interested, there's a wee X up there at the corner that will solve that particular issue.

Second - if you see a great post idea on another blog, by all means go and do it yourself, but do leave a mention or a link back to the original blogger. It's only manners, and there are an awful lot of people who read the same blogs so it's instantly obvious if you're after copying something. It's just daft not to credit people for original ideas.

Third - don't lose sight of why you started. If you really, really want to blog, then go and do it. Don't sit whinging about not being invited to events, or not getting the goody bags, or not getting on PR lists or getting free stuff. I've been blogging for 3 years and I can count the number of 'free' things I've been sent on one hand. I'm not going to go crying into my pillow because I didn't get sent the lipstick everyone else is raving about - to be honest, sometimes I find it harder to review a promotional product because I feel guilty if I don't like it. If you put time and effort into your work, you'll get recognition. If you've just only started, you should not expect the same perks as someone who's been doing it for years. Simple as that. Interact with other bloggers, be nice, do NOT be a bitch on twitter, don't do passive-aggressive 'some people...' posts or tweets.

Fourth - ditch the amateur dramatics. It's not life or death, it's writing and taking photographs. You don't have to be the first one to put something up, just have a look at the product and see how you can come up with a different angle. I've often read 4 or 5 reviews of something before I'll hit on one that I can identify with. You also don't have to go and spend a fortune on products. I own one MAC lipstick, and it was a gift. I own one Chanel polish, it was a prize. I remember one particularly bitter post that turned me off a blog for life - a rant about bloggers buying things with 'Daddy's money' making it impossible for 'us mere mortals' to compete. Who are you competing with? Jesus, I've seen stuff in Aldi/Tesco/Dealz/Lidl that I'd love a review on.

Lastly - if you're not enjoying it, stop it. If it's affecting your family life, job, college work, or school work, stop it. Nobody says you have to post every day. One post on a Sunday about your entire week would be better than trying to run yourself ragged trying to keep up during the week. Just relax - and do it for yourself, not because you feel like nobody will be there if you take a break. Write from your heart, write because you want to, and someone will always be there to read it.

Look, I know I'm in no way qualified to give advice to anyone. I just see an awful lot of people who seem to do it because they think everyone should have a blog, and everyone should blog about beauty products. I'd love to see more variety - what do you watch on telly? What did you love as a child? Have you cooked anything lately? Read anything? What's your favourite song? Do you have a surprising hobby? Have you found an amazing bargain? I think this challenge has been brilliant so far because of the mix of lifestyle posts, I've found some brilliant blogs with some brilliant writing.

It's ludicrous, my most popular posts by a longshot have been reviews of Essence or Catrice polishes that cost €2- €3. There's loads of room for great high-end reviews, but the other end of the scale needs to be represented too, like yesterday's SBBC - ten under €10. Some brilliant stuff!x

I think it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture - I've seen some blog chats descend into sheer madness, everyone 'advising' others on what's wrong, what needs changing, etc - just look after your own and let others do the same!

Great advice, I definitely think the #sbbc has opened my eyes to more lifestyle/varied posts. I agree about doing your own thing when you want and how you want. It must be enjoyable or else I think blogging is pointless!

Thanks Nora! I've loved this challenge, it's been great to test myself with different posts and stuff I'd never normally do on here. I love the power of having my own little piece of the internet, I wouldn't want it to be a carbon copy of something else! I did a blog for over a year and I'd say I got 4 comments tops, but I loved every second of it. x

Wow, that was intense! But I can't say you're wrong. I've only been blogging for a sort while, so I'm nowhere near experienced or know a lot about blogging. I just enjoy writing about whatever pops into my head that day. I've personally loved SBBC so far, but I'm not really enjoying 'having' to post everyday. I like my freedom in that perspective, deciding what I post and when I post, so I'm definitely with you on the "Don't let blogging destroy your life" front.

I enjoy the writing side of it a lot too, I still love nails a lot but I go through phases where I really just want to ramble about something, it's great to have that freedom. I agree with the daily posting - this suits me at the minute, but I had an awful lot of these posts scheduled, I'm not sure if I'd ever be able to post every day. I genuinely think I'd lose interest very quickly, I have great respect for people who put out good posts on a daily basis, I have no idea how they do it! x

I'm not a blogger but everything you've said makes perfect sense to me. I love the lifestyle posts, book posts etc as well as the nails and beauty, and I've been really enjoying all the SBBC posts this month!

Fantastic post and yes I agree I blog because I enjoy it and I don't have the time or the energy for drama. I waffle on about anything and everything and most of what I blog about is Primark stuff as I have discovered that we all love a good Primark haul!!!!

First of, there's a blogger who moaned about other "bloggers buying things with 'Daddy's money"? Good grace, women can be terrible sometimes!

I am a bit guilty of the 'some people' tweets myself - which are not targeted towards other bloggers but towards people on Dublin Bus per general, but I try to restrain myself as much as I can, after all we're only humans and a bit of a rant doesn't hurt anybody to my knowledge :). Great post my dear! x

I'm sure I've done a few tweets that made people completely paranoid too, but it'll usually be about some family situation or someone in reality who's annoying me but I can't let rip in case they see it! A good rant is no harm at all, I don't like the allusion that all bloggers are cliquey though, I think a lot of drama is caused by individuals reading situations wrong. Thanks a million for your comment :)x

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